Code of Conduct

A large portion of training programs available to architects and builders in the US is sponsored by product manufacturers. That is to say that those training programs have marketing purposes, whether explicit or not. This includes third party building science training programs, social media content, and other forms of collaboration between training providers and product sponsors.

The involvement of product manufacturers in training programs is per se not necessarily bad, however it inevitably has an impact on the message. If it didn’t, product manufacturers would not pay so much money for it.

Even with the best of intentions, there is a risk for the training to be implicitly guided and biased.

Emu’s mission is to bring the most advanced building science to mainstream construction, from other independent sources such as the Passive House Institute. In doing so, we sometime show data that is in contrast with beliefs and narratives that circulate in the mainstream media.

We greatly value our independence as building science researchers and training providers. This allows us the ability to talk freely about specific products, details, and solutions, and to provide our own feedback and opinions on them. We don’t have to hold back on anything, because the only people that pay us are in fact our students themselves.

For this reason, Emu training events are free of any sponsorships from product manufacturers, suppliers, and 3rd party vendors. We do not accept payments or compensation of any kind to showcase brands, products, or ser

Emu requires all trainers of the Emu training program to be free of sponsorships from product manufacturers. That includes any kind of marketing representations, sales interests, influencer deals, and other agreements that may impact the independence of the trainer.

Emu trainers are free to express their own personal opinions on specific products, details, applications, etc., based on their own professional experience. This applies to all trainers involved in Emu training programs, including course trainers, workshop trainers, and trainers of affiliate programs and partners.

During the Emu Passive Pod Workshop, we show samples of high performance products, and utilize consumable materials including air sealing tapes and membranes, thermal insulation, high performance windows, etc..

These materials are donated by the manufacturer. Emu does not receive compensation of any kind to showcase these products.

During the hands-on Passive House training, we encourage participants to try out all products available. This allows students to experiment with a range of product from different suppliers, see what they like the best, ask question to the Emu trainers, and form their own opinions.